Huntsville Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Huntsville is not recognized as a sovereign nation or a distinct stamp-issuing entity in standard philatelic geography. As a prominent city in the United States, its postal history is entirely subsumed under that of the United States Postal Service, reflecting American political and administrative structures. Therefore, stamps associated with this location would bear English inscriptions and denominations consistent with U.S. currency, without any separate historical postal transitions.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Series
Huntsville Postmaster Provisional (1861)
A single issue, a 5-cent stamp, handstamped in black on various papers, used locally before Confederate general issues became available.
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Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Huntsville Postmaster Provisionals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate States philately. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific paper varieties. Authenticity is paramount.
How to Identify Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Huntsville (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped '5' within an oval or rectangular frame, often with 'PAID' or 'Huntsville, Ala.'
- 2 Examine the paper for characteristics of the period, as these were often printed on locally available stationery.
- 3 Authenticity is critical; expertization is highly recommended for any potential Huntsville provisional.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Huntsville stamps?
Huntsville stamps refer to a rare Postmaster Provisional issue from Huntsville, Alabama, used briefly in 1861 during the American Civil War. These were locally produced stamps issued by the Huntsville postmaster before official Confederate States stamps became widely available.
Are Huntsville stamps valuable?
Yes, Huntsville Postmaster Provisional stamps are exceptionally valuable due to their extreme rarity and historical significance. Genuine examples can fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at auction, making them among the most prized items in Confederate philately.
How can I identify Huntsville stamps?
Huntsville stamps are typically identified by a handstamped '5' (for 5 cents) within a simple frame, sometimes accompanied by 'PAID' or 'Huntsville, Ala.' They were printed in black on various papers. Due to their rarity and the prevalence of forgeries, expert authentication is essential. A stamp identifier app might help with initial recognition but cannot confirm authenticity.
Which catalogs list Huntsville stamps?
Huntsville Postmaster Provisionals are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 1, U.S. & Possessions). They are generally not found in broader international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as separate entries.
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